Dental wedge with neck

ABSTRACT

An improved dental wedge has a body coupled to a head by a neck. The neck is configured to be smaller in diameter than the proximal end of the body and the distal end of the head. The neck preferably has a plurality of flat surfaces extending about a circumference of the neck. Because of the neck, the wedge includes a groove configured to receive an instrument to (i) push against the proximal end of the body, thereby pushing the wedge into a desired location; and (ii) to pull against the distal end of the head to pull the wedge from a desired location. The neck may also have a textured surface or be coated with a tacky material.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention disclosed herein are in the field of dental instruments.More particularly, the inventions relates to dental wedges which areutilized to separate teeth in preparation for a dental procedure and toinstruments configured for use with dental wedges and to instrumentsutilized with the dental wedges.

2. Background Art

In the field of dentistry, dental practitioners often treat patients whohave developed cavities on the side of a tooth. When these cavities arelocated adjacent to neighboring teeth they are known as interproximalcavities. In order to treat cavities on the sides of teeth such asinterproximal cavities, the dental practitioner removes the infectedportion of the tooth, then deposits a filling such as a resinousmaterial or an amalgam into the tooth preparation.

In order to properly deposit the filling without undesired seepage ofthe filling material beyond the side of the tooth, typically a matrixband is disposed about the tooth, after which the filling material isdeposited. A matrix band is typically a metallic or plastic strip havingfirst and second ends which are joined, thereby forming a mold which isdisposed about the tooth. When encircled about the tooth, the matrixband acts as a form, similar in function to a concrete form, providing amold for the desired shape of the repaired tooth.

In order to maintain the matrix band in a desired position with respectto the tooth to be repaired, small dental wedges are placed in theinterproximal spaces between the matrix band and the teeth adjacent thetooth to be repaired. The wedges also space the teeth adjacent to thetooth to be repaired during the filling procedure. Dental wedges may beused to spread adjacent teeth for a variety of purposes.

Because they are placed between the matrix band and adjacent teeth,dental wedges are required to be small. Their small size and thedelicate nature of orienting the wedges correctly within the desiredinterproximal space in the mouth makes the placement of the wedgesawkward.

Typical dental wedges include a distal insertion end and a proximalgripping end. Typical wedges also have a triangular cross section. Thistriangular cross section includes a thin apex at one end thereof andwidens into a flat base at an opposing end thereof. In order to fitproperly in an interproximal space, each wedge is typically placed withthe widened end located toward the gum line and with the thin apexextending between the teeth and away from the gums. When using suchdental wedges, the practioner is careful to orient the wider end towardthe gumline while the more thinner, pointed apex is directed upwardbetween the teeth.

In light of this triangular configuration of typical wedges, it isimportant to orient the wedge properly with respect to the interproximalspace before pressing the wedge into the interproximal space. Inaddition, the properly oriented wedge must be precisely guided into thespace. Conventional wedges, however, are difficult to control such thatthe practioner can be assured that the wedge is properly orientedwithout making the patient uncomfortable or possibly damaging the gumsand/or teeth of the patient.

In order to strategically align and guide the wedge properly, thepractitioner is required to maintain a solid grip on the wedge. If thepractitioner does not maintain a solid grip, the practitioner may dropthe wedge before entering the oral cavity causing contamination, orientthe wedge improperly, or even drop the wedge intraorally thus presentingthe possibility of the wedge being swallowed or causing aspiration tothe lung. However, the small wedges are difficult to grasp and maneuverwith precision in the mouth with an unaided hand. Thus, a practitionertypically uses small-nosed pliers, known as cotton pliers, to grip aparticular wedge and to position the wedge within the mouth.

Typical dental wedges are comprised of a rigid plastic or wood having asmooth exterior surface which compounds the difficulties associated withfirmly gripping the wedges due to their small size. The smooth, rigidmaterial readily slips from the pliers when tightly gripped,particularly when covered with fluids, such as saliva or blood.

The slippery nature of the wedge can cause the wedge to be lost withinthe patients' mouth or ejected from the pliers across the room. Even ifthe small wedge is found, often it cannot be utilized due to thelikelihood of contamination. After the wedge is initially positioned,the dentist forces the wedge into final position. During the forcedinsertion, the likelihood of injury is greatest as the pliers ortweezers may slip off the wedge into the soft tissues in a patient'smouth. Additionally, when the dentist attempts to regrasp the wedge withcotton pliers there is also risk of slipping off the wedge.

FIG. 1 demonstrates a dental wedge 10 of the prior art. Because of theshape and also the rigid surface of the body 12 of wedge 10, pliersreadily slip when contacting wedge 10. As shown in FIG. 2, in certainwedges 14 of the prior art, a head 16 is disposed on the proximal end ofthe body 18 of wedge 14. However, head 16 and body 18 are both typicallycomprised of a rigid material which slips when grasped by or pushed by adental instrument. Thus, grasping either head 16 or body 18 often causeswedge 14 to be ejected from the pliers.

Furthermore, head 16 is square in shape, having only four grippingsurfaces along the circumference of head 16. Therefore, to grasp head 16on the circumference thereof, the pliers must be oriented along one oftwo gripping angles. In the first gripping angle, the practitioner gripssides 20 of head 16. In the second angle, the practitioner grips theupper end 22 and lower end 24 of head 16. However, when reaching throughthe fixed diameter of the mouth, the practitioner may not have theoption of twisting the pliers to mate with a four sided head along oneof only two gripping angles.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3, head 26 of another dental wedge 28is curved, thereby creating a slippery dynamic when the practitionerattempts to grasp dental wedge 28 by head 26. Because of the delicatenature of typical dental procedures, this slippery action of prior artwedges creates a variety of problems for the dental practitioner.

There is, therefore, a need in the art for a dental wedge which isreadily grasped by a practitioner from a variety of positions andangles.

BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved dentalwedge.

It is another object of the invention to provide a dental wedge which iseasily grasped by a dental instrument, such as tweezers or cottonpliers.

It is also an object of the invention to provide means for preventingslipping of a dental tool used to grip the wedge.

Additionally, it is another object of the invention to provide a dentalwedge having a non-slip neck which can be more easily positioned thanconventional wedges from multiple positions and angles.

Finally, it is another object to provide dental instruments which areadapted for grasping a dental wedge.

One invention relates to a dental wedge, comprising: (i) a body having aproximal end and a distal end; and (ii) a head coupled to the body. Thehead of the wedge has more than four different flat sides extendingabout the circumference of the head which serves as gripping or bracingsurfaces. The head preferably has six, eight or more different flatgripping surfaces. The head has a polygonal shape such as a hexagonal,octagonal, or decagonal shape. Because of the number of flat grippingsurfaces, an increased number of angles and positions exist from whichthe practitioner can grasp the dental wedge. A practitioner is thus morelikely to achieve a grip which will sufficiently hold the wedge.

Additionally, the head preferably has a cap located in the proximal endof the head. The cap is formed from an elastomeric material whichcompresses when a dental instrument is urged against the cap to push thewedge into position between two teeth. The elastomeric cap essentiallygrips the dental instrument to prevent the dental instrument fromslipping or sliding off of the cap. In addition to an elastomeric cap,the head may also be designed to have other non-slip surfaces such astextured surfaces or surfaces coated with a tacky material. The texturedsurface may an integral portion of the proximal end of the head or a capmay be utilized which is textured. Similarly, a tacky coating may beapplied onto the proximal end of a head or onto a cap. Additionally, theproximal end of a head or the cap may also have a particular structure,such as a concave or dimpled configuration, which is designed tominimize slipping. These non-slip surfaces may be utilized alone or incombination to prevent a dental instrument from sliding.

In another embodiment, a neck couples the head to the body. The neck hasa smaller diameter than the adjacent portion of the head or body. As aresult of the decreased diameter neck, the wedge includes a groove inwhich the tweezers or pliers may be disposed, allowing the practitionerto more readily grip the wedge. Accordingly, the practitioner canoptionally firmly grasp the neck, push within the groove against thebody to place a wedge in a patient's mouth or pull against the head toremove the wedge while a dental instrument remains stable and issecurely within the groove.

In addition, the neck preferably includes a plurality of different flatgripping surfaces extending about the circumference of the neck fordisposition of the tweezers or pliers thereon. The flat grippingsurfaces of the neck provide additional positions from which apractitioner is able to grasp the wedge. To dramatically increase thenumber of positions from which a practitioner is able to grasp thewedge, the flat gripping surfaces of the head may be offset with respectto the flat gripping surfaces of the neck.

By way of example, if the head includes the shape of an octagon, thepractitioner is able to grip the circumference of the head from at leastfour different angles. The practitioner is able to grip thecircumference of the neck from at least four different angles at anotherlocation if the neck also includes the shape of an octagon. If thesurfaces on the neck are offset with respect to the surfaces on thehead, the practitioner is able to grip the circumference of the head andneck region of the wedge from at least eight different angles.

Another invention relates to dental instruments which are adapted forgrasping a dental wedge. Each instrument has surfaces which areconfigured to be mated with the flat gripping surfaces of the head orneck of wedge of the present invention. One embodiment is a pair oftweezers with flat grasping surfaces formed in the internal side of eacharm or elongated member. The tweezers can securely grasp the neck orhead of a wedge. Another embodiment of a dental instrument adapted forgrasping a dental wedge is a wrench having a grasping end. The graspingend of the wrench may be open such that the end may grasp the head orneck of the wedge to remove the wedge from an embrasure or to pull thewedge out of an embrasure. The grasping end of the wrench may also beclosed such that it forms a socket which fits over the head of a wedgeto push the push the wedge into position.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. Theobjects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained bymeans of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out inthe appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantagesand objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular descriptionof the invention briefly described above will be rendered by referenceto specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appendeddrawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typicalembodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be consideredlimiting of its scope, the invention will be described with additionalspecificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a view of a dental wedge of the prior art.

FIG. 2 is a view of another dental wedge of the prior art.

FIG. 3 is a view of yet another dental wedge of the prior art.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a dental wedge of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of the head and neck of the wedge shownin FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the neck and head of the dental wedge of FIG. 4with a partial cut-away cross-sectional view of the neck and head.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-6 whichdepicts the cap detached from the proximal end of the head of the dentalwedge. The dimpled cap depicted in FIG. 7 is a different embodiment of acap.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a user selecting a dental wedge from aset of dental wedges with different flares.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a user's hand grasping a dental wedge bythe neck of the dental wedge with cotton tweezers and inserting thedistal insertion end of the dental wedge into an embrasure orinterproximal space adjacent a matrix band disposed about a tooth.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a user's hand pushing on the head of adental wedge with the blunt end of cotton tweezers to further insert thedental wedge between the teeth.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a user's hand pulling on the head of adental wedge with pliers to remove the dental wedge from between theteeth.

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of a head and neck of the dental wedgeof FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the flat surfaces of the head being aligned alongan axis with the flat surfaces of the neck.

FIG. 13 is an alternative cross sectional view of the head and neck of adental wedge, the flat surfaces of the neck being offset from the flatsurfaces of the head.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a dental wedge ofthe present invention which has a head with a textured cap or proximalend.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a dental wedge ofthe present invention which has an integral head with a texturedproximal end.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a dental wedge ofthe present invention which has a head with a textured proximal end.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a dental wedge ofthe present invention which has no neck and a body which is integralwith the head. The head has a textured proximal end.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a dental wedge ofthe present invention which has no neck and a body which integral withthe head. The head has a smooth proximal end.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of tweezers having prongs adapted forgrasping a dental wedge by the neck or the head of the dental wedge.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the prongs of the tweezers shown inFIG. 19 grasping a dental wedge by the neck of the dental wedge.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of wrench having a grasping end adaptedfor grasping a dental wedge by the neck of the dental wedge.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the wrench shown in FIG. 21 grasping adental wedge by the neck of the dental wedge.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a wrenchconfigured for use with dental wedges. The wrench has a grasping endadapted for grasping a dental wedge by the neck of the dental wedge anda socket end adapted for pushing on the head of a dental wedge.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the socket end of the wrench shown inFIG. 23 pushing on the head of a dental wedge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The wedge of the present invention is useful for maintaining a matrixband in a desired orientation, creating a space between teeth orproviding other dental or non-dental functions. The wedges have variousgripping and non-slip surfaces which enable a practitioner to achieve asuitable grip, retain the wedge in a desired, fixed position withrespect to a dental instrument, and safely position the dental wedgebetween teeth. The gripping and non-slip surfaces also enable apractitioner to remove the wedge upon completion of a dental procedureby grasping the wedge with a dental instrument and then pulling withoutthe dental instrument slipping off wedge.

As shown in FIGS. 4-6, a dental wedge 30 of the present invention iscomprised of (i) a body 40 having a distal insertion end 42 and aproximal end 44; and (ii) a head 60 coupled to body 40, head 60 having adistal end 62 and a proximal end 64. Also as shown, a neck 50 preferablycouples head 60 to body 40. Other embodiments of dental wedges of thepresent invention are also shown in FIGS. 13-18.

As shown, distal end 52 of neck 50 is coupled to proximal end 44 of body40. The proximal end 54 of neck 50 is coupled to distal end 62 of head60. Wedge 30 has a longitudinal axis demonstrated by line 58 shown inFIG. 6.

The body of the wedge may have any configuration suitable for insertioninto an embrasure or within an interproximal space between two teeth. Asshown in FIG. 4, the preferred configuration of the body of the wedgegenerally has a relatively thin distal insertion end with a bottomportion 43 that is relatively curved and which terminates at a pointedtip 46. The body preferably flares from the distal insertion end towardthe proximal end 44 such that the body has a triangular cross-section ofincreasing size. The thin distal portion permits the practitioner toinitially dispose wedge 30 between the patients' teeth. The taper ofbody 40 enables a practitioner to move teeth relative to each other aspressure is exerted on the wedge. More specifically, as the wedge ispushed inward, the cross section of the wedge between the teeth becomesincreasingly wider, thereby enabling relative teeth movement. At leastone corner at the proximal end is preferably truncated to provideincreased leverage in separating or displacing teeth. As previouslydiscussed, separation of the teeth enables a practitioner to position amatrix band around a tooth. The sides of the matrix band are then joinedby an elastic band, such that the band forms a sleeve or a form aboutthe tooth as shown in FIGS. 9-11 at 110. Disposing wedge 30 between thepatient's teeth against matrix band 110 also helps to ensure that matrixband 110 is held against the prepared tooth.

As shown in FIG. 8, a kit may be provided of at least two wedges and thewedges may have differing configurations. More particularly, the bodiesof the wedge may have different flares or tapers as depicted in FIG. 8at 40a and 40b. Bodies 40a and 40b of wedges 30a and 30b each have atriangular cross section, however, body 40a has a wider base and apicalangle than does body 40b. In addition to the width of the base, thepitch or apical angle, the bodies of the wedges may also have differingheights. FIG. 8 also shows wedges 30a and 30b standing upright in asupport material 86 which is preferable for maintaining the wedges in asterile or nearly sterile condition.

The various embodiments of wedge bodies disclosed herein, including theprior art body configurations discussed hereinabove, are examples oftapered body means for insertion within an interproximal space betweentwo teeth. Additionally, any conventional body configuration may also beutilized.

As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, a user can easily grasp a wedge with theprongs 82 or grasping end of conventional cotton pliers 80. FIG. 9 showsprongs 82 grasping wedge 30b by neck 50b as distal insertion end 42b isbeing pushed into an interproximal space. The base or widened end of thewedge is located toward the gum line and the thin apex extends betweenthe teeth 100 and away from the gums. The body can be initially insertedor pushed completely into position by grasping the neck and/or bypushing against the face of the proximal end of the body, such as face45 shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 at 45. One preferred technique for pushingthe body of a wedge completely into position is depicted in FIG. 10wherein the blunt end 84 of conventional cotton pliers 80 is shown beingutilized to push body 40a of wedge 30a further between the teeth. Awedge can be easily removed by pulling while grasping the neck as shownin FIG. 9 with prongs 82 of tweezers 80 and/or by pulling against theface of proximal end of the head, such face 63 shown in FIG. 5 at 63.Additionally, a wedge may be removed from an embrasure by grasping thehead with conventional cotton tweezers or as is shown in FIG. 11 thehead 60c of a wedge 30c may be grasped and pulled with the grasping end92 of pliers 90. While the instruments disclosed in FIGS. 9-11 forinserting and removing the dental wedges are acceptable, inventiveinstruments which are particularly adapted for use with the inventivedental wedges are also disclosed herein.

As best shown in FIGS. 4-5, neck 50 has a smaller diameter than distalend 62 of head 60 and proximal end 44 of body 40, thereby forming agroove 57 for placement of a dental instrument therein. Groove 57 isdefined by (i) proximal end 44 of body 40; (ii) the exterior surface ofneck 50; and (iii) distal end 62 of head 60. Essentially, the reduceddiameter neck 50 is any depression or groove located between the headand the proximal end of the face.

FIGS. 4-5 and FIG. 12 also depict neck 50 having eight different flatgripping surfaces 56a-h extending about the circumference of the surfaceof the neck, such that a transverse cross section of neck 50 has theshape of an octagon. The neck preferably has eight different flatgripping surfaces as shown at 56a-h, however, the neck may have anysuitable configuration. For example, the neck may have a cross-sectionwhich is generally circular, elliptical, triangular, or the neck mayhave four or more different flat gripping surfaces extending about thecircumference of the surface of the neck such that the cross-section isthat of a square, a pentagon, a hexagon, a decagon and so on. Evennumbers of flat surfaces are preferred for the neck, but not required.Nevertheless, neck 50 preferably includes the shape of a polygon havingmore than four sides. As a result of the multiple surfaces on neck 50,neck 50 may be grasped from a variety of different gripping angles andpositions. Additionally, the circumference of neck 50 is preferablysymmetrical.

Each neck disclosed herein is an example of neck means for receiving agrasping end of a dental instrument to move the tapered body means withrespect to an interproximal space between two teeth, and for couplingthe distal end of the head means to the proximal end of the tapered bodymeans. In alternative embodiments, the surface of the neck may betextured or coated with a tacky material. Additionally, a flexible andcompressible washer may be positioned around the neck. Such texturing,coatings and washers are examples of means for preventing slipping of adental instrument urged against the wedge, or more specifically a dentalinstrument used to grasp the wedge or neck.

Like neck 50, head 60 is also shown in FIGS. 4-5 and in FIG. 12 witheight different flat sides at 66a-h. The head may have any suitableconfiguration, however, the head preferably is in the shape of a polygonwith more than four different flat sides extending about thecircumference of the head. Examples of such shapes include a pentagon,hexagon, octagon, a decagon and so on. Thus, the cross section of head60 transverse to axis 58 may be in the shape of a pentagon, hexagon,octagon, decagon and so on. As shown, the circumference of head 60 ispreferably symmetrical since each flat side has the same dimensions.While not required, the number of different flat gripping surfaces 66 ofhead 60 is preferably even, such as six, eight, ten, and so on as it isfor flat gripping surfaces 56 disposed about the circumference of neck50.

Thus, rather than having limited gripping angles, as is the case with asquare shaped head 16 of FIG. 2, head 60 has many different grippingangles. Since some gripping angles may not be accessible due to thelocation of the embrasure into which the wedge is being positioned, itis preferable to have a high number of choices for the gripping angle.Accordingly, the transverse cross section is preferably that of ahexagon, an octagon, a decagon, and so on to provide a large number ofdifferent gripping angles.

It will be appreciated that each gripping angle corresponds to a numberof different gripping positions. For example, if a practitioner gripsthe top and bottom surfaces 66a and 66e of head 60, as shown in FIG. 5and FIG. 7, which is an example of one gripping angle, thepractitioner's hand may be oriented in a variety of different positionswhile holding tweezers or pliers. In the octagonal embodiment, forexample, a practitioner's pliers can grip the top and bottom surfaces66a and 66e or any other combination of opposing surfaces. As a result,when reaching from an awkward position into the mouth, a practitioner ismore likely to achieve a suitable grip, to retain wedge 30 in a desired,fixed position in a dental instrument, and to sufficiently positiondental wedge 30 between teeth.

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of head 60 and neck 50 of wedge 30shown in FIG. 5. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the flat surfaces66a-h extending about the circumference of head 60 and the flat surfaces56a-h extending about the circumference of neck 50 are aligned with eachother along an axis 59. Accordingly, any two opposing sides such as 66band 66f or 56c and 56g may be easily grasped.

In another embodiment of a dental wedge shown in FIG. 13, the head andthe neck each have a plurality of flat surfaces respectively identifiedat 66a-h and 56a-h. Flat surfaces 66a-h of the head and the flatsurfaces 56a-h of the neck rotationally are offset with respect to theflat surfaces of each other such that 66a is not parallel with 56a as inthe configuration shown in FIG. 12.

By offsetting the respective gripping surfaces 66a-h and 56a-hrespectively of the head and neck as shown in FIG. 13, it is possible tocreate even more gripping angles than are available individually on theembodiment shown in FIG. 12. The increased number of gripping angles andpositions created by the offset nature of the head and neck is asignificant advance within the art. Although, the embodiment shown inFIG. 13 offers greater gripping angles which makes it easier to push orpull the wedge, the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 is easier to mold.

When reaching through the fixed diameter of the mouth to typical wedges,a practitioner may not have the option of twisting the tweezers orpliers along one of two angles to grasp a four-sided head, such as head16 shown in FIG. 2. If more than two gripping angles are available,however, such as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a practitioner's chances arevastly improved of securely grasping a wedge as needed. It will beappreciated that in addition to grasping head 60 and/or neck 50, thepractitioner may also grip body 40 as well.

Because of the various surfaces of the wedge, the practitioner has theoption of grasping and pulling, grasping and pushing, or pushing againsta variety of different structures on the wedge 30. Additionally, thehead and neck may be grasped from a variety of different positionsaround the circumference thereof. In a preferred method of using thewedge, prongs or grasping end 82 of tweezers 80 are used to grasp neck50 and initially position the wedge into an embrasure as shown in FIG.9. More specifically, prongs 82 are pushed against proximal end 44 ofbody 40 or are used to firmly grasp neck 50 while pushing againstproximal end 44 to push wedge 30 into a desired location. The body ofthe wedge is then fully inserted into position as shown in FIG. 10 byurging the blunt end 84 of tweezers 80 against head 60. Removal ispreferably accomplished in the same manner shown in FIG. 9 for initialplacement by gripping neck 50 and then pulling the wedge out of theembrasure. More specifically, wedge 30 may be pulled from the embrasureby pulling against the distal end 62 of head 60 with prongs 82, byfirmly grasping neck 50 and pulling, or by grasping neck 50 whilepulling against distal end 62.

FIGS. 4-6 and 8-11 depict proximal end 42 as having a cap 70. Otherembodiments of caps are shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 14 respectively at 71and 72. As shown most clearly in FIG. 7, each cap preferably has aninsertion prong 73 which fits into a chamber 74 extending through head60 and neck 50. Insertion prong 73 is an example of an attachment meansfor attaching a cap to a head which is adapted to receive a cap. Anotherexample of an attachment means is adhesive. The adhesive may be appliedbetween the cap and a head with a shape that is adapted to be mated withthe opposing surface of the cap. Such mated surfaces include flatsurfaces.

Caps 70, 71 and 72 are preferably comprised of a material, such as anelastomer, which is resilient and which compresses when pushed orgripped. Although any suitable material may be used, caps 70, 71 or 72are preferably formed from elastomers such as neoprene, silicone,polyurethane, polypropylene, latex, rubber, etc.

When pushed with the blunt end 84 of tweezers as shown in FIG. 10, cap70 compresses, avoiding a slippery dynamic which may result with a rigidsurface. Rather than sliding on a rigid surface, blunt end 84 oftweezers 80 indents into the resilient, compressible material. As bestviewed in FIG. 6, cap 70 has a convex surface as more compressiblematerial is disposed in the center of the convex surface than on theperiphery. By enabling the cap to indent, the surface area contacted bythe instrument is increased thereby decreasing the potential forslipping.

While cap 70 is essentially convex, cap 71 is essentially concave ordimpled. By positioning a dental instrument at or near the low point indimpled cap 71, the concavity assists in preventing a dental instrumentfrom slipping off of cap 71. The concavity can be relatively shallow orrelatively deep.

The textured surface of cap 72 shown in FIG. 14 of wedge 31 provideseven greater resistance against slipping as a user pushes an instrumentagainst the cap than does a compressible cap with a smooth surface suchas cap 70. The textured surface of cap 72 is formed to have raisedsurfaces or is roughened to prevent dental instruments from slidingacross the surface. The textured surface could be, for example,comprised of knurls, cuts, grooves, or other texturing such as chemicaletching or gritblasting. Textured surfaces may be utilized on any capconfiguration. For example, a concave cap such as cap 71 may beconfigured with a textured surface such as cap 72.

Each cap disclosed herein is an example of a non-slip surface or meansfor preventing slipping of a dental instrument urged against the wedge,or more particularly to prevent slipping of a dental instrument whenpushing against head 60. Another example of a non-slip surface or meansfor preventing slipping of a dental instrument is a cap such as cap 70,71 or 72 which has been coated with a relatively tacky material.

FIG. 15 depicts a wedge at 130 with a head 160 having a proximal end 164which is textured. The textured surface of proximal end 164 is anotherexample of means for preventing slipping of a dental instrument. Thecompressible caps 70, 71 and 72 used with wedge 30 provide greaterresistance to slipping, however, wedge 130 can be more easilymanufactured as it is entirely one component.

FIG. 16 depicts another embodiment of a dental wedge of the presentinvention at 131. Head 160 of wedge 131 has a proximal end 165 which issmooth and does not have a cap. Like wedge 130, wedge 131 is alsoentirely integral and accordingly less expensive to manufacture thanwedges 30 or 31. Proximal end 165 of wedge 131 and also proximal end 164of wedge 130 may be coated with a relatively tacky material to provideincreased resistance to slipping. A coating on either proximal end 164or 165 provides another example of means for preventing slipping of adental instrument.

As shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, some embodiments of the presentinvention have a head directly coupled to the body without a neck. Insuch embodiments, the head is preferably larger than the body as areheads 260 and 261 of respective wedges 230 and 231 depicted in FIG. 17and FIG. 18. Similarly, the heads of the wedges in the other embodimentsmay also be larger than their respective bodies. Wedge 230 is entirelyintegral as there is no cap. Proximal end 264 of head 260 is configuredwith a textured surface to minimize the potential for a dentalinstrument to slip while being urged against the instrument or as theinstrument is pushed against the proximal end. Proximal end 265 of head261 has a cap 270 which is formed from the same material as caps 70, 71and 72. Cap 270 has an insertion prong (not shown) which fits into achamber (not shown) in the body. Cap 270 may have any suitableconfiguration such as a convex shape as shown or a concave shape.Additionally, cap 270 may also be textured. Further, cap 270 andproximal end 264 may also be coated with a relatively tacky material tominimize slipping of dental instruments.

Since the body of the wedges is configured to be disposed within aninterproximal space and to maintaining a matrix band in a desiredorientation between adjacent teeth or otherwise maintaining a spacebetween teeth, the body is preferably comprised of a rigid material,such as a relatively rigid plastic. The individual components of thewedges or the integral wedges can be formed by any means, such asthermoplastics or cast plastics formation techniques. One skilled in theart will appreciate that a variety of different methods are availablefor manufacturing the dental wedges. In the embodiments, wherein thewedge is entirely integral, the wedge may be molded from plastic into arigid wedge. In the embodiments, wherein the wedge comprises twocomponents, namely a cap configured to interlock within a chamber in theneck and head of a wedge and also an integral component. The integralcomponent is a body, neck and at least a portion of the head. The cap ispreferably separately formed into a resilient, compressible componentwhich interlocks with a separately formed rigid component. The twocomponents may be designed to interlock through the configuration of theinsertion prong of the cap and the chamber. In yet another embodiment,the two components are molded to each other, such as by using atwo-color mold to cause the components to chemically adhere to eachother. Additionally, an adhesive may be placed between the twocomponents such as thermal adhesive glue, an adhesive coating, anadhesive pad, and a pressure sensitive adhesive.

FIGS. 19-24 depict instruments which are particularly adapted for usewith the inventive dental wedges. Each instrument is designed such thatwhen the dental wedge is pushed into position or pulled out of anembrasure the wedge is securely grasped with an instrument with portionswhich are configured to be mated with the flat gripping surfaces of thehead or neck.

FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 depicts a pair of dental tweezers 300 adapted forgrasping a dental wedge. The unique configuration of the tweezersenables a user to securely grasp a dental wedge which has a head or neckwith a plurality of flat gripping surfaces. Tweezers 300 comprise a pairof elongated members 310a-b. Each elongated member has a handle portion311a-b with a hinge end 312a-b opposite a grasping end 314a-b; and alsoan internal side 316a-b and an external side 318a-b. Internal side 316ais opposing internal side 316b. The internal side 316a-b of eachelongated member 310a-b has a plurality of flat grasping surfaces 320a-bat each respective grasping end which are adapted to conform to morethan two flat gripping surfaces of a head or neck of a dental wedge. Thehinged ends 312a-b are joined together such that the flat graspingsurfaces 320a-b of each respective grasping end can be moved together orapart by pivoting the elongated members 310a-b.

As shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, each elongated member 310a-b ispreferably curved at or near its respective grasping end 314a-b suchthat the tweezers have curved portions or prongs 322a-b. The curvedprongs 322a-b or portion of the elongated members provide enhancedability to introduce wedges into an remove wedge from all embrasures.

FIG. 20 depicts grasping ends 314a-b or prongs 322a-b grasping neck 50of dental wedge 31. More specifically, flat grasping surfaces 320a-b arein a mated configuration with the flat gripping surfaces 56 of neck 50.Flat grasping surfaces 320a-b can also be mated with the flat grippingsurfaces 66 of head 60. Although, any plurality of flat graspingsurfaces may be located on the internal side of each elongated member,there are preferably at least three different flat surfaces which areintegral and angled with respect to each other. More particularly, theplurality of flat grasping surfaces on the internal side of eachelongated member are preferably configured for grasping a dental wedgewith a head or neck having eight different gripping flat surfaces.

The combination of grasping ends 314a-b, more specifically prongs322a-b, with flat grasping surfaces configured to be mated with the flatgripping surface of a head or neck of a wedge is an example of graspingmeans for simultaneously grasping more than two flat gripping surfacesof a head or neck of a dental wedge. The hinge end 312a-b and handleportion 311a-b of the elongated member 310a-b is an example of handlemeans for operatively moving the grasping means. Pliers such as pliers90 shown in FIG. 11 can also be configured within the scope of thepresent invention with flat grasping surfaces in a similar configurationto the flat grasping surfaces of tweezers 300.

FIG. 21 depicts a dental wrench 330 adapted for grasping a dental wedge.Wrench 330 comprises a handle 331 having an integral grasping open end332. Open end 332 has two prongs 340a-b which define a grasping recess342. Grasping recess 342 is depicted with five different graspingsurfaces 344a-e which are adapted to conform to five different grippingsurfaces of a head or neck of a dental wedge in a mated configuration.Such a dental wedge has a total of eight different gripping surfaces oneither the head or the neck. Although, the wrench is depicted with fivedifferent gripping surfaces, the grasping recess may have at least threedifferent flat grasping surfaces which may be coupled with at leastthree different flat gripping surfaces of the head or neck of wedge.Such a head or neck may be square or rectangular shaped.

Although, wrench 330 enables a user to securely grasp a wedge with ahead or neck having a plurality of flat gripping surfaces, wrench 330 ismost suitable for grasping the neck of a wedge as shown in FIG. 22.After the grasping recess 342 contacts neck 50, wedge 31 may be pushedor pulled. Additionally, grasping recess may be slid or moved into anabutting position with either face 45 of body 40 or face 63 of head 60.Similarly, grasping ends 314a-b of tweezers 300 may also be slid ormoved into an abutting position with either face 45 of body 40 or face63 of head 60.

Wrench 330 is preferably integral and is also preferably formed fromplastic. Additionally, handle 331 preferably has a neck 336 near openend 332 which is relatively flexible. The flexibility of neck 336 isuseful as the wrench may then be bent to push a dental wedge intoposition or to pull a dental wedge out of an embrasure which mayotherwise be difficult to reach.

Handle 331 is another example of handle means for operatively moving thegrasping means. Grasping open end 332 or more specifically, graspingrecess 342, is another example of grasping means for simultaneouslygrasping more than two flat gripping surfaces of a head or neck of adental wedge.

FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 depict a wrench 350 which comprises a handle 351with an integral grasping open end 332 opposite an integral graspingsocket end 354. A tube portion 360 extends from handle 351 at socket end354. As seen in FIG. 23, tube portion 360 has a base 362 and a pluralityof flat grasping surfaces 364 which are adapted to conform to a head ofa dental wedge with flat gripping surfaces which correspond in number tothe flat grasping surfaces of the tube portion.

FIG. 24 indicates that closed socket end 354, more particularly, theflat grasping surfaces 364 are sized and configured to be located aroundthe head of wedge 30. Tube portion 360 preferably has a length whichenables the base 362 to contact either the cap or the proximal end ofthe head of the wedge such that the base can be pushed against the capor proximal end of the head of the wedge, as shown in FIG. 24. The rim366 of the tube portion can also be used to push against face 45 of body40. Whether base 362 or rim 366 is used to push a wedge into place or totwist a wedge, either configuration enables a dental wedge with a headhaving a plurality of flat gripping surfaces to be securely grasped andpushed.

Handle 351 is another example of handle means for operatively moving thegrasping means. Grasping socket end 354 or more specifically, tubeportion 360, is another example of grasping means for simultaneouslygrasping more than two flat gripping surfaces of a head or neck of adental wedge.

In another embodiment, a wrench such as wrench 350 may be configuredwithout a grasping open end such as open end 332. Accordingly, a dentalwrench of the present invention may have only one grasping means or thewrench may have a first grasping means opposite a second grasping meanswhich are connected by a handle.

Handle 351 is preferably primarily rigid near the socket end to betterenable the instrument to be used to push a wedge. Wrench 350 ispreferably entirely integral and is preferably formed from plastic.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed:
 1. A dental wedge, comprising:a. tapered body means forinsertion within an interproximal space between two teeth, the taperedbody means having a proximal end and a distal end; b. head means formoving the tapered body means with respect to an interproximal spacebetween two teeth by a dental instrument, the head means having aproximal end and a distal end; and c. neck means for receiving agrasping end of a dental instrument to move the tapered body means withrespect to an interproximal space between two teeth, and for couplingthe distal end of the head means to the proximal end of the tapered bodymeans, said neck means comprising a curcumferential periphery havingfive or more flat surfaces circumferentially spaced around saidperiphery such that said flat surfaces together define a plurality ofdifferent gripping angles and positions.
 2. A dental wedge as recited inclaim 1, wherein the neck means comprises a neck having a proximal endand a distal end, the distal end of the neck coupled to the proximal endof the body and the proximal end of the neck coupled to the distal endof the head means.
 3. A dental wedge as recited in claim 1, wherein theneck means has a transverse cross section in the shape of an octagon. 4.A dental wedge as recited in claim 1, wherein the diameter of the neckmeans is smaller than the diameter of the proximal end of the body.
 5. Adental wedge as recited in claims 1 or 4 wherein the diameter of theneck means is smaller than the diameter of the distal end of the headmeans so that a grasping end of a dental instrument can be used to pushagainst the proximal end of the tapered body means when pushing thewedge into a desired location, and so that the grasping end of thedental instrument can be used to pull against the distal end of the headmeans to pull the wedge from the desired location.
 6. A dental wedge asrecited in claim 1, wherein the neck means has means for preventingslipping of a dental tool used to grip the wedge.
 7. A dental wedge asrecited in claim 1, wherein the head means has a plurality of flatgripping surfaces extending about a circumference of the head means. 8.A dental wedge as recited in claim 1, wherein the head means has atransverse cross section in the shape of an octagon.
 9. A dental wedgeas recited in claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the head means hasmeans for preventing slipping of a dental tool used to grip the wedge.10. A dental wedge as recited in claim 9, wherein the means forpreventing slipping comprises a resilient, compressible cap attached tothe proximal end of the head means.
 11. A dental wedge as recited inclaim 9, wherein the means for preventing slipping comprises a texturedsurface.
 12. A dental wedge as recited in claim 9, wherein the means forpreventing slipping comprises a coating.
 13. A dental wedge as recitedin claim 1, wherein the neck means, the tapered body means, and thedistal portion of the head means are integral.
 14. A dental wedge,comprising:a. tapered body means for insertion within an interproximalspace between two teeth, the tapered body means having a proximal endand a distal end; b. head means for moving the tapered body means withrespect to an interproximal space between two teeth by a dentalinstrument, the head means having a proximal end and a distal end, saidhead means comprising means for defining a plurality of first grippingangles and positions; and c. neck means, situated within acircumferential groove interposed between said tapered body means andsaid head means, for receiving a grasping end of a dental instrument tomove the tapered body means with respect to an interproximal spacebetween two teeth, and for coupling the distal end of the head means tothe proximal end of the tapered body means, said neck means comprisingmeans for defining a plurality of second gripping angles and positions,each of which is rotationally offset from said first gripping angles andpositions.
 15. A dental wedge as recited in claim 14, wherein the neckmeans comprises a neck having a proximal end and a distal end, thedistal end of the neck coupled to the proximal end of the tapered bodymeans and the proximal end of the neck coupled to the distal end of thehead means.
 16. A dental wedge as recited in claim 14, wherein the neckmeans has a plurality of flat surfaces extending about a circumferenceof the neck means.
 17. A dental wedge as recited in claim 14, whereinthe neck means has more than four different flat surfaces extendingabout a circumference of the neck means.
 18. A dental wedge as recitedin claim 14, wherein the neck means has a transverse cross section inthe shape of an octagon.
 19. A dental wedge as recited in claim 14,wherein the neck means has means for preventing slipping off of the neckmeans by a dental instrument used to grip the wedge.
 20. A dental wedgeas recited in claim 14, wherein the head means has a plurality of flatgripping surfaces extending about a circumference of the head means. 21.A dental wedge as recited in claim 20, wherein the flat surfaces of theneck means are offset with respect to the flat surfaces of the headmeans.
 22. A dental wedge as recited in claim 14, wherein the head meanshas more than four different flat surfaces extending about thecircumference of the head means.
 23. A dental wedge as recited in claim14, wherein the head means has a transverse cross section in the shapeof an octagon.
 24. A dental wedge as in claim 14, wherein the proximalend of the head means has means for preventing slipping off of the headmeans by a dental tool used to grip the wedge.
 25. A dental wedge asrecited in claim 24, wherein the means for preventing slipping comprisesa resilient, compressible cap attached to the proximal end of the headmeans.
 26. A dental wedge as recited in claim 24, wherein the means forpreventing slipping comprises a textured surface.
 27. A dental wedge asrecited in claim 24, wherein the means for preventing slipping comprisesa coating.
 28. A dental wedge as recited in claim 14, wherein the neckmeans, the tapered body means, and the distal portion of the head meansare integral.
 29. A dental wedge, comprising:a. a tapered bodycomprising a thin distal insertion end which terminates in a pointedtip, said body having a triangular cross-section of increasing sizeextending from the tip; b. a head having a plurality of flat surfacesformed around the periphery thereof which serve to provide a pluralityof first gripping angles and positions; and c. a neck interposed betweensaid head and said body, said neck having a diameter that is smallerthan either of the head or body, and said neck having a plurality offlat surfaces formed around the periphery thereof each of which isoffset from the plurality of flat surfaces formed around the peripheryof said head, said plurality of flat surfaces formed around theperiphery of said neck providing a plurality of second gripping anglesand positions that are rotationally offset from said first grippingangles and positions.